NSW recorded 516 new cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night from 90,223 tests. There is now a total of 42 cases of COVID-19 with the Omicron variant in NSW. To date, no Omicron cases have been admitted to hospital in NSW for treatment of COVID-19. Across NSW, 94.7 per cent of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 93 per cent are fully vaccinated. NSW Health is concerned about the increased transmission taking place in larger social venues such as pubs, clubs, and party settings and urges everyone to avoid social gatherings if they are experiencing any cold and flu symptoms, however mild.

Small businesses eligible for rent relief under the COVID leasing regulations will be able to seek relief until 13 January 2022. The Regulation has been extended and amended. Rent relief provisions will continue for eligible businesses with a turnover of less than $5 million, a reduction of the previous turnover threshold of $50 million. For more information see the NSW Small Business Commissioner’s website and Commercial leases and COVID-19 FAQs.

A public health order repealing and remaking the Public Health (COVID-19 Self-Isolation) Order (No 3) 2021 with some changes, including omitting provisions about persons in high COVID-19 risk premises, has been gazetted. Read it here.

The NSW Government has announced $3 million in additional funding for community programs that provide much-needed free services to NSW’s most vulnerable groups. Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said the additional funding has been allocated to support the Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Program, the Financial Counselling Services Program, the No Interest Loan Scheme Program and the Aged Care Supported Accommodation Program from 2021/22. Details here.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has provisionally approved the Pfizer vaccine as safe and effective for use among 5 to 11-year-old children in Australia. Subject to final considerations and recommendations from the vaccination experts on the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), and other related approvals, the Australian Government will start rolling out the Pfizer vaccine to 5 to 11-year-olds from 10 January 2022. Read the Government’s release here.